Two young friends from Halton shared the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark the upcoming completion of the main bridge deck on the Mersey Gateway bridge.

Competition winner Mia Lloyd-Bell, and classmate Candice Steadman, both Year 6 pupils from All Saints Primary School in Runcorn donned hard hats and high-vis safety gear last Thursday ahead the historic milestone of the final concrete pour on Monday, July 31.

The moment came just days before members of the construction team completed the final key concrete pour between the south and central pylon decks, meaning the bridge deck now fully spans the River Mersey.

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Year 6 pupils Mia Lloyd-Bell and Candice Steadman from All Saints Primary School in Runcorn share the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark the penultimate completion of the Mersey Gateway bridge last Thursday, ahead of the completion of the main bridge deck today, Monday, July 31, accompanied by Hugh O'Connor, Merseylink general manager, Gareth Stuart, Mersey Gateway project director, Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Borough Council leader, and Alan and Joan Lowe, Halton's mayor and mayoress.

A Mersey Gateway spokesman said that while a lot of finishing work remains to be done before the bridge opens to traffic this autumn, the deck’s completion is symbolic and marks the first full crossing of the river since the Silver Jubilee Bridge was completed 56 years ago.

The Mersey Gateway’s iconic design features three pylons, of varying heights with the tallest, the south pylon, stretching 125m above the river.

Almost 90,000 cubic metres of concrete, equivalent to 36 Olympic-sized swimming pools, was used to build the bridge, the North Approach Viaduct, and the South Approach Viaduct.

Together they measure almost 2.5km long.

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Andrew Bainbridge, All Saints assistant headteacher, said: “Being able to bring our pupils to the bridge deck for such an historic occasion is an event that will stay in these children’s memories for a long time.

“During the past few years they have watched in awe as the bridge has been built up out of the riverbed.

“It has been a massive source of inspiration for them, and will be for many years to come.

“Many of our children tell us they want to become civil engineers and architects.

“These children will be able to look back in years to come and say they were there when the crossing of the river was completed.”

The construction of the Mersey Gateway passed a major milestone today, Monday, July 31, when the final segment of bridge deck was inserted to join the last deck sections together.

Hugh O’Connor congratulated the pupils for their winning entries.

He said: “From looking at the entries, and from being involved in the project from the start, it’s clear to see the passion and creativity it has stirred in school children across Halton, and the wider area.

“It’s great that our project is such an inspiration and valuable resource for teachers and pupils.

“Mr Bainbridge undertook a full week of activity related to the bridge. What a wonderful legacy to leave the people of Halton.”

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Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Council leader, praised the winning entries and said these children were among thousands across Halton who had taken an interest in engineering and construction since the project began.

He said: “As well as building an iconic structure that puts Halton on the map, we’re building a legacy and aiding children’s ambition.

“This project has fuelled their interest in construction, engineering and technology.

“Having been involved in this project from the start I’m extremely proud to see the progress the team has made.

“This really is a momentous occasion and marks the first full crossing of the river since 1961.”